Where to stay in Venice area by area

Where to stay in Venice? Hotels here are some of Europe's most expensive. And Venetian high season is Italy's longest. So where is the best place to stay in Venice for your trip? Use our expert guide to find out. Then get ready to explore the city. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Italy your essential guide for visiting Italy.

San Marco: where to stay in Venice for luxury

San Marco is the heart of Venice and has been central to the city for over 1000 years. Many visitors head here first for sightseeing, then leave to stay elsewhere.

Don't be too hasty. San Marco has some of the finest hotels in Venice and it's also home to many elegant cafés and lovely shops.

Best for five-star views

Five-star Baglioni Hotel Luna sits on Canal Grande and offers spectacular views from its terraces.

Best for a super lux experience

For complete indulgence book the Gritti Palace. This luxury hotel was once home to the Doge, and its mix of vintage opulence and hi-tech facilities is world famous.

San Marco is where to stay in Venice for extreme luxury © Claudio Stocco/Shutterstock

Dorsoduro: the area for art lovers

Dorsoduro is the home of unusual Venetian architecture and incredible art galleries.

Gallerie dell’Accademia is here, and it's also the area for Scuola Grande dei Carmini and the Guggenheim.

Best for impeccable cool

Find Charming House DD724 beside the Guggenheim. It's cool, modernist design is a refreshing change in nostalgic Venice.

Best for atmospheric rooms

Choose upmarket Ca Maria Adele where each of the themed rooms is designed for atmosphere.

Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Italy or Italy Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Trips can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Italy expert.

Canal side restaurants in Dorsoduro, Venice Italy © Shutterstock

San Polo and Santa Croce: the districts for local life

The San Polo and Santa Croce districts of Venice centre around Campo San Polo and the Rialto.

This area was once the city's commercial heart. The local bustle is as lively as ever. And the Rialto Market is a major tourist attraction.

Best for traditional meets modern

Book GKK Exclusive Private suite Venezia. With big rooms in a great location, it's one of the city's best budget stays.

Best for a gothic getaway

Fine little Ca’ San Giorgio B&B has echoes of a gothic palazzo its charming timber beams and brick walls.

Round the Rialto Market is where to stay in Venice like a local © Shutterstock

Cannaregio: the quarter for ancient history

The Cannaregio district may not have have major attractions, but it's big on atmosphere.

Home to several of the city's most evocative areas, this is where you'll find the world's first known Ghetto.

Best for a monastic retreat

Once a Carmelite monastery, airy Hotel Abbazia is still a very restful choice.

Best stay in a restored palace

Palazzo Abadessa has a pretty garden and huge rooms furnished with authentic antiques.

The historic Ghetto, first in the world, Venice Italy © Luca Giubertoni/Shutterstock

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Central Castello: the area for museums

Castello sits around vast Santi Giovanni e Paolo, the one-time pantheon of the doges.

You'll find museums in the south of the district. And it's the area for the Querini-Stampalia collection, San Giorgio dei Greci and Museo Diocesano.

Best for summer evenings

Ca' Dei Dogi has attractive outdoor terraces and it's close to Central Castello museums.

Best for an indulgent escape

Hotel Danieli is a grand and indulgent gothic palazzo, highly recommended for sybarites.

Church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo in Eastern Castello ©Natalia Volkova/Shutterstock

Where to stay in Eastern Castello

A large part of Castello is made up of the Arsenale dockyards. It doesn't have many big sights, but you shouldn't ignore this western district.

San Francesco della Vigna is here and it's home to Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni. Plus, the waterfront panoramas are stunning.

Best for mid budget

A former 14th century palazzo, historic La Residenza sits close to the waterfront.

Best for independence

For cool and airy apartments as well as a pretty, shared garden, choose Palazzo Soderini.

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